ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two soldiers wounded in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu on Wednesday have received medals.
Pfcs. Faith Noel Andayan and Norman Espiritu, who were confined at the Military Station Hospital at Camp Gen. Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, received the Wounded Personnel Medal.
Joint Task Force Sulu commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales pinned the medals during the commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan on Friday.
Andayan and Espiritu, both of the 21st Infantry Battalion, clashed with Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Radulan Sahiron in Patikul.
Gonzales said the two soldiers are scheduled to undergo surgery to remove bullets in their body.